The 5 Best Keyboard Drawer Trays [Ranked]

These trays attach to your desk to make it more ergonomic and minimalist- potentially alleviating pain associated with repetitive stress injuries.

How do they work?

When your keyboard sits on the desk, it’s natural for you to lean over. This can lead to poor posture and fatigue if you’re at the desk for long periods of time. The keyboard tray puts the keyboard lower in a more natural position, which is better for your body (Source).

Buyer Feedback

When buying a device to lower your keyboard, it’s recommended you measure the depth of the surface of your desk and plan on having the keyboard at least one inch deeper.

Also, because sitting positions can change, you should plan on using a tray that’s adjustable and one that can move in and out (Source).

How Do They Compare

Here are 5 different keyboard trays that are worth looking at:

Uncaged Ergonomics makes a keyboard tray that mounts under the desk and comes with a mouse pad that can be mounted both left and right to keep your mouse at the same level. This tray’s height and tilt are fully adjustable to get the best “fit”. While this keyboard tray has plenty of options, buyers mentioned the difficulty in installation, and some said the hinge interferes with your knees and can be painful when you bump it.

The 3M keyboard tray features a wood platform and a tool-free installation. What’s nice about this is that it can be installed with a simple twist of a knob, which can also be used to adjust the tilt, height, and swivel. This tray also comes with a gel wrist rest and has plenty of room for your mouse. While a neat design, it does have issues. The main one being the tool-free installation This keyboard tray relies on a velcro-type patch to secure the arm to the desk, which doesn’t support the weight. If you’re handy, though, you might be pleased with this product (Source).

Kensington makes an under the desk keyboard tray that allows you to quickly and easily adjust the height. This tray mounts to your desk with screws so it’s a more sturdy design than other models that use Velcro or tape. While most users said they were pleased with the product once installed, many said the installation was difficult because of the lack of adequate instructions and no template to assist in mounting.

The VIVO adjustable keyboard and mouse tray mounts under the desk via a single arm. This is a heavy tray at about 10 lbs. so mount this to a sturdy desk. The tray is designed to hold all standard sized keyboards and mice. Most buyers rated this highly praising it for its build quality and ease of installation.

Last up is the Fellowes under-desk keyboard tray. This tray also mounts directly to your desk with screws and features height adjustment with the mouse tray being either right or left mountable. Depending on your desk you should be able to mount this with only a Phillips screwdriver.

Best Keyboard Tray For 2018

This under-desk keyboard drawer offered by Fellows is affordable, well-made, and useful if you want to keep your keyboard tucked away. Users love the price, but some do note that they find it difficult to install. Fellows keyboard tray measures 11.6” x 22” x 2.3”, and it’s made of 100% recycled materials.

What’s more, the tray has three height adjustments for your convenience, ball-bearing glide tracks for smooth operation, a keyboard stopper, and it fits most standard keyboards. Keep in mind that you’ll need 23.5” wide space for installation and that you can mount the mouse tray on the right or left side of the drawer. You can also store the mouse underneath the keyboard drawer.

As a whole, users have a favorable opinion of the Fellows office suites under-desk keyboard drawer, and they praise its performance and design. A reviewer observes that the keyboard tray is easy to install due to the mounting template and that it fits under his desk well. He warns that it’s made of plastic, so it’s not as strong as a wood one, but it works remarkably well. Another user states that the keyboard drawer is perfect if you have an Ikea desk with a crossbar and that it’s sturdier than he initially expected.

A purchaser adds that the tray goes in and out smoothly and that the mouse pad is comfortable. However, some customers have noted that the screws fell out quickly and that it’s nearly impossible to replace them. Some users also remark that the keyboard tray is too flimsy for their liking.

If you want to keep your keyboard out of the way, you might take a look at this underdesk keyboard tray offered by Vivo. Users love that the keyboard platform is adjustable, but some do note that it doesn’t slide smoothly. The Vivo under desk keyboard tray measures 26.5” x 11” x 5.2”, and it features a full side to side rotation, a 5” height adjustments, and a removable, ⅝” gel wrist rest padding to reduce wrist soreness.

The keyboard under desk platform fits most keyboards and mice, and it slides on a 14.5” long and 6.25” wide track. It comes with all the necessary hardware, but you should check whether your desk can support this 10-pound keyboard drawer.

A reviewer shares that he managed to install the Vivo adjustable keyboard tray in minutes and that it looks reliable and heavy-duty. He also observes that his carpal tunnel has gotten better since he started using the keyboard tray.

Another user mentions that the keyboard drawer fits under his desk well and that it’s well-built. He warns that it might bounce a little, but it doesn’t bother him. A purchaser comments that there is plenty of space on the keyboard tray and that you can adjust it in seconds. He highly recommends it as one of the best keyboard drawers. However, some customers have noted that the keyboard drawer is too wobbly and that it doesn’t retract well.

Some users also complain that the keyboard tray is too heavy and that they had difficulties installing it.

This under-desk keyboard tray offered by Kensington is well-made, comfortable, and an excellent choice for almost all keyboards. Users love the price and the quality, but some do note that the installation instructions are lacking.

The Kensington comfort keyboard tray measures 29.5” x 28”, and it has three adjustable with three height levels – 2”, 2.5”, and 4”. What’s more, this tray can fit oversized and ergonomically shaped keyboards, and the extra wide platform can accommodate a wrist rest, a mouse and a mouse pad comfortably. Another great thing about this product is that you can use Kensington color-coded personal comfort system to adjust the keyboard tray for maximum comfort while typing.

In general, buyers are pleased with the performance and durability of Kensington keyboard drawer, and they highly recommend it. A purchaser shares that the tray is big enough for his keyboard and the mouse and that the quality surpasses the price. He advises that you read the instructions carefully so that you can line the holes when you mount it under the desk. Another reviewer adds that the keyboard tray is stable and secure and that it’s one of the best keyboard drawers he has owned.

A buyer also remarks that the tray slides smoothly and that it supports your hands and wrists well while typing and working on the computer.

However, some customers have noted that the keyboard drawer is too flimsy for their liking and that it’s not a good fit for oversized keyboards because there isn’t much space left. Some also warn that it’s difficult to install it.

If you want to maximize your desktop space, you might take a look at this high-quality keyboard tray offered by 3M. Users love the tool-free installation, but some do note that adjusting the tray with the knob is cumbersome.

The 3M keyboard drawer measures55” x 66” x 4.6”, and it features a standard all-in-one keyboard platform, which is big enough for your keyboard and mouse, a gel wrist rest with antimicrobial protection, and a precise mouse pad, which you can position left or right on the keyboard. Another great feature of this product is that you can adjust the height and the tilt easily by loosening and tightening a knob.

A reviewer comments that the 3M keyboard drawer fits his Corsair K70 RGB keyboard and mouse well and that his wrists and hands hurt less since he started using the tray. He highly recommends it to anyone looking for the best under desk keyboard tray.

A buyer mentions that the keyboard drawer swings right or left with ease and that it slides smoothly under the desk. A user adds that he installed the tray in less than five minutes and that it’s perfect if you’re looking for a portable keyboard tray. However, some customers have noted that the Velcro strip is not strong enough and that the keyboard tray falls often. Some also observe that it will be hard to peel the stickers without damaging the table.

This ergonomic keyboard drawer offered by Uncaged Ergonomics is handy, stable, and affordable. Users love the design, but some do note that the product arrived with missing hardware.

The Uncaged Ergonomics under desk keyboard tray measures 18.5 x 8.75″, and it features a steel frame, a 7 x 8.75″ mouse pad, which adjust independently to the keyboard and connects on both sides, and a free adhesive mouse pad. Another great thing about this product is that you can adjust the height to 4.5” below your desk with the single adjustment lever. Moreover, the keyboard tray swivels, slides, tilts and tucks under the table, which is great because you can find the best typing position.

A user states that this is one of the best adjustable keyboard trays he has ever tried and that it helps him improve his typing posture. He adds that you can easily adjust it to match your typing style and that it’s not very difficult to install.

Another reviewer remarks that the keyboard drawer slides smoothly under the desk and that it performs beyond his expectations. A user also shares that this ergonomic under desk keyboard tray is well-built and that he is going to order a second one. However, some customers have noted that the screws are flimsy and that some didn’t have the slots cut into the heads. Some also indicate that the mouse pad doesn’t align with the keyboard and that you the bracket is too large and you will constantly bang your knee on it.

Ergonomic Considerations

If one types for several hours a day he/she could be at risk of carpal tunnel syndrome, an RSI (repetitive-stress injury), or other ergonomic strains (numb or tingling fingers, finger pain, and forearm aches). Investing in a clamp-on keyboard tray will help keep your fingers, hands, wrists, and forearms in a more ergonomic position and will prevent injuries. There are larger keyboard trays that may even have enough space to accommodate 1-2 mice.

While typing, a person’s elbows must rest at an angle of 90 degrees. If he/she is sitting down, he/she should place the keyboard directly above his/her lap. This keeps arms and hands in a neutral posture and prevents strain in a person’s hands, shoulders, and back.

Using a Track

Keyboard trays that are on tracks place the keyboard beneath desktop, this helps easily position the keyboard closer to the user. In addition, they free up desktop space to be used for books, paperwork, or small devices such as phones and tablets. Most keyboard tracks are fully or partially retractable so that you can move them in and out as desired from beneath your desk.

Installing

If your desk has an obstruction, for example, a crossbar, it will not make it impossible to install a track with a spacer. A spacer is a bracket or slab of wood that lowers the keyboard track so that it passes under an obstruction.

These tracks are installed on both sides of the crossbar and provide a flat surface for attaching the track. There are three brackets in a set: one is positioned on the edge of the desk, the other one is placed before the crossbar, and the other one is placed after the crossbar.

Spacers have various clearances levels, generally between 1″-2.5″. In case you need a spacer of a larger size, the total amount of room you have under your desk will be decreased; the spacer will make the underside of the desk lower by a few inches, and as a result, the track will be placed lower than the spacer.

In case your desk does not have enough space underneath for installing a keyboard track, you can install a keyboard arm instead. Keyboard arms can be mounted on your desk or a wall. They can easily be adjusted to optimal ergonomic height. However, they do not get in the way under your desk.

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